AUBURN, Indiana – Auctions America is proud to announce that it has been selected by the Collings Foundation to present one of the largest and most diverse sales of historic armored military vehicles and accessories ever staged; the world famous Littlefield Collection. Scheduled July 11 – 12 in Portola Valley, California, the historic armor sale will lift the gavel on more than 200 lots, including 108 vehicles from World War I through to the Gulf War along with a full day of specialty parts and accessories.

Celebrated as one of the world’s largest private collections of armored vehicles, the Littlefield Collection represents more than 30 years of careful and dedicated acquisition by the late Jacques Littlefield. Mr. Littlefield also founded California’s Military Vehicle Technology Foundation, a museum dedicated to the preservation of military vehicles to showcase technological advancements on the battlefield during the last century. Following his passing, the Jacques M. Littlefield Collection was acquired by the Collings Foundation, who will integrate some 80 of Littlefield’s important vehicles and artifacts into its own existing collection of military vehicles and aircraft. This enlarged collection will be housed in a new 64,000 square foot facility on the grounds of the Collings Foundation complex in Stow, Massachusetts, and will honor our nation’s veterans as well as provide a priceless learning and heritage resource for people of all ages. Auctions America will offer the public a unique opportunity to purchase the remaining vehicles and parts from the Littlefield Collection during its upcoming July sale. All lots will be offered without reserve, with hammer proceeds benefitting the new Collings Foundation facility.

“The Littlefield Collection boasts an impressive range of vehicles and represents points in history that appeal to a global audience beyond traditional military collectors,” says Ian Kelleher, Specialist, Auctions America. “The majority of the collection remains drivable and usable and can be easily repurposed for private use. We’re honored to have been entrusted with such a significant piece of history for public sale”.

The diverse collection includes military technology from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan, originating from as many as 15 countries around the world. Leading the vehicle offering is a thoroughly restored and fully drivable M37 105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage (USA), built in October 1945 by American Car & Foundry and used as a training vehicle at Fort Knox until the mid-1950’s, after which time it was sent to Sioux City, IA for display. One of just 150 vehicles produced, the model saw heavy service with U.S. Army field artillery units in the Korean War. Additional highlights include a nearly 42 ton SCUD A Missile Launcher (USSR), a model which entered into service in 1956 as part of the Soviet strategic missile forces and was transferred to the regular forces in 1959, along with a restored DUKW Amphibious Personnel Carrier (USA), designed in 1942 and used to transport equipment from ships to the beach and beyond. The DUKW was based on GMC’s G-508 series of trucks, with many still in use today by private companies for river and harbor tours. In addition to the vehicles, the sale will also lift the gavel on a wide array of specialty military parts and accessories.

“There is no question that Jacques Littlefield created the world’s leading private collection of military technology,” says Rob Collings, Executive Director, The Collings Foundation. “A truly unprecedented event, the upcoming sale offers a very special opportunity for collectors from around the world to sustain Jacques’ legacy and help preserve, protect and present these vehicles that defined the world we live in. We’re excited to be working with Auctions America for this unique sale and look forward to welcoming collectors to the auction in July, and later to view our enhanced collection in Stow, Massachusetts, which we plan to have on display within 18 months”.

The Littlefield Collection sale will be held onsite at the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation, 499 Old Spanish Trail, Portola Valley, California, July 11 – 12. All lots will be available for preview before the sale on July 9 – 10. Further information along with a frequently updated list of consignments is available at auctionsamerica.com.

About Auctions America

Formed in July 2010, Auctions America specializes in the sale of American classics, European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods, and customs. Headquartered at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Indiana, Auctions America boasts an expert team of full-time vehicle specialists who offer over 140 years of combined experience buying, selling, racing, and restoring collector vehicles, making them uniquely qualified to advise on all aspects of the hobby. To learn more about Auctions America, please visit auctionsamerica.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @auctionsamerica.

About The Collings Foundation

The Collings Foundation is one of the most unique non-profit, Educational Foundations in the United States. Founded in 1979, the purpose of the Foundation is to organize and support “living history” events that enable Americans to learn more about their heritage through direct participation.

The Collings Foundation operates over 27 very rare historical aircraft and is the stewards of over 100 rare vintage machines, major artifacts and classic automobiles. Since 1989, a major focus of the Foundation has been the national “Wings of Freedom Tour.” This national tour showcases two WWII bombers and a fighter aircraft. Celebrating 25 years, the “Wings of Freedom Tour” continues to honor the sacrifices made by our WWII veterans in the most memorable way possible – touring through and flying in these legendary aircraft. It is estimated that over 3.5 million people see and experience these fully restored historic aircraft annually.

The Stow facilities include a world-class aviation museum and a vintage automobile and racecar collection. As of 2013, the Foundation has taken in Jacques Littlefield’s Military Vehicle Collection. This is the largest privately held collection of historic tanks and military artifacts in the world. A new 64,000 square foot facility is being built to showcase these tanks on the Stow grounds. Completion of the facility is expected by 2015. For more information on the Collings Foundation, please visit www.collingsfoundation.org.